Senator Turner Testifies in Support of Cleveland School Plan

Senator Nina Turner and Senator Peggy Lehner.

Senator Nina Turner (D-Cleveland) testifed today before the Senate Education Committee in support Senate Bill 335.  The legislation enacts reforms for the Cleveland School District based on an agreement between Mayor Frank Jackson and the Cleveland Teacher's Union.  Senator Turner and Senator Peggy Lehner (R-Kettering) are co-sponsors of SB 335.

Here's an excerpt from her testimony:

"The result of this unprecedented compromise is a chance to dramatically shift the educational paradigm in Cleveland, and to do so in a way that has the buy-in of all stakeholders. The plan aims to create a portfolio of schools that removes the distinction between district and charter in favor of a system whose only rubric is academic achievement. It empowers teachers and administrators at the building level and allows them to manage their schools in ways that are best for their students while protecting our community from unscrupulous charter school operators and promoting the best models city-wide. Most importantly, the mayor’s plan demands success from Cleveland’s schools and sets the stage for the educational achievement of their students.

"The compromise forged over the past few weeks was reached because all parties committed to working toward a singular goal: improving students’ chances for educational success in Cleveland. And because of the intimate stakeholder engagement, SB 335 will help affect change in a way with which all can agree. I trust that we will continue to keep these accomplishments in mind to ensure that the city’s students get the education they need while the concerns of teachers and administrators are carefully considered.

"The fact is that Cleveland’s children deserve a better education than they are getting and they will not receive it unless we act—and act with the fierce urgency of now."